10 Feb 2010Lord Mawhinney calls for football finance "restraint"

Football Finance News | Football Leagues/ Association and Governance

Football League chairman Lord Mawhinney has criticised clubs for failing to live within their means.

Speaking to the Guardian, he identified years of unchecked spending on wages and agents' fees as the root cause of many of the financial problems currently facing many teams.

The former chairman of the Conservative Party called for "some element of control and restraint" in the way football clubs conduct their business.

He also refused to accept the argument that the gap in wealth between the English Premier League and the Championship is the reason for many sides in the second tier overspending.

"Football clubs in recent years have had more money than ever in their history, but too few have invested in new grounds or facilities," he added.

Lord Mawhinney is due to step down next month after seven years in the post. He has overseen several important reforms during his tenure, including the introduction of the 'fit and proper person' test for prospective club owners.

Written by Terry Mitchell

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